On October 3, the Ottawa Public Library hosted a very well attended open house regarding the revitalization of the Rosemount library-a branch the Ottawa Public Library located in a 100 year old building. The small lower-level meeting/program space at Rosemount was packed as members of the community circulated to examine design ideas for the future Rosemount. Attendees shared their own ideas and feedback by writing on Post-It notes and attaching them to various poster-boards created by +VG Architects – the project architects.

”The Open House was busy and shows that our community is keenly interested on the future of our local library,” said Josh Nutt, Chair of the Rosemount Expansion and Development Group (READ). “I heard great ideas for how to make Rosemount better and a bit bigger. The OPL and +VG Architects must take the time to reflect on what the community said and incorporate the feedback into the preliminary design. READ will continue to hold the OPL accountable and will push for a presentation from the architects when the preliminary design is released in December 2018.”

One particular design element that seemed to be the subject of criticism was the OPL’s focus on outdoor space. Many open house attendees expressed concerns that outdoor space would have limited use given Ottawa’s climate. In READ’s view, the focus should be on expanding and improving the indoor space.

The ongoing community consultations allow residents to give feedback on all aspects of the proposed renovation. READ believes that the Rosemount branch must meet the demands of the diverse and growing Kitchissippi neighbourhood. The library should be re-designed so it becomes an innovative, interactive, and integrated community hub. READ also encourages people to consider what design features would allow Rosemount to serve the high-needs and vulnerable groups and individuals in the community.

A second consultation in December will present a preliminary design based on the input received from the community. READ is asking that the format for this December consultation feature a presentation by the architects, followed by a question and answer session. It is important that there be a dialogue so all attendees can hear each other’s viewpoints.

To see what’s happening with library branch development in other urban Canadian cities CLICK HERE

Rosemount Revitalization Site Plans and Concept Designs

For the proposed site plan and concept designs as well as the results of the fall consultations CLICK Here

What is READ Rosemount?

READ is a community group that has been working for over two years advocating for an expanded and redeveloped Rosemount library – a branch of the Ottawa Public Library in Ottawa, Ontario Canada. Through systematic engagement with the community, elected officials and library staff, READ has determined that the current site of the Rosemount library is too small to meet the community’s current and future needs. Join us in this exciting community project.